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Obi Says Corruption and Poor Leadership Are Pushing Nigerians Deeper Into Poverty
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has blamed Nigeria’s stalled progress on corruption, insecurity, and what he described as weak leadership under President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement on his X handle, Obi said more Nigerians are slipping into poverty because leaders have failed to prioritise the welfare of the people. He cited United Nations figures showing that about 34 million citizens could face severe food shortages, while 133 million, roughly 63% of the population, are living in multidimensional poverty.
The former Anambra State governor noted that inflation, now close to 30%, combined with unemployment and poor economic management, has eroded the middle class. He argued that other countries facing similar or even worse conditions have managed to recover through disciplined leadership and sound policies, pointing to Argentina as an example.
Obi highlighted that Argentina’s poverty rate, which stood at over 52% with inflation above 200% in early 2024, has dropped significantly under its new president – with poverty now at 38.1%, extreme poverty at 8.2%, and inflation reduced to 2–3% monthly within two years.
Drawing a comparison, he said both Argentina’s president and Tinubu started their terms in the same year, stressing that while two years may not be enough to fully transform a country, it is enough to begin meaningful reforms if leaders are honest and focused.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has spoken on Nigeria’s economy, stating that the country lacks a good maintenance culture.
She said “The fact is that endowments alone do not add value. Budgetary allocations alone do not lead to new roads or good maintenance.”
“We lack a maintenance culture in the country. I have to say that. I’m Nigerian, but we need that. We need better ports and digital infrastructure, and lower trade costs. Execution is what matters, and successful execution requires focus. It requires prioritisation.”
Politician and former presidential candidate Peter Obi speaks on President Bola Tinubu’s comments regarding the rising hunger and worsening economic situation in Nigeria.
It can be noted that the President recently stated that hunger has always existed in Nigeria.
Peter Obi responded “I watched with deep concern the statement made by President Bola Tinubu to the Catholic Bishops, that there has always been hunger in Nigeria, even before he was born.”
“While it is true that hunger has been a part of human life and has existed in our country for decades, such a statement appears insensitive to the plight of the millions of Nigerians who face worsening economic hardship today.”
Reports have been shared stating that the Nigerian Army has launched a new programme designed to train and improve the skills of engineers in tackling threats posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The seminar is being organised by the 41 Engineer Brigade of the 1 Division Nigerian Army.
It was stated “Improvised Explosive Devices have become one of the greatest security threats confronting the Nigerian Army in ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Their widespread use has complicated military operations and humanitarian activities in conflict-affected areas.”
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